The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki was reportedly criticized by members of the National Economic Council [NEC] for neither attending the council’s meetings nor sending his Deputy, Hon Phillip Shaibu to represent him and the state.

Reports said that the NEC observed Governor Obaseki’s consistent absenteeism at Thursday’s meeting, which was the last session of the council, held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shetimma.

The fourth in the Tinubu administration, Thursday’s gathering came nearly two months after the Council last convened on September 28 to consider priority areas for the next three and a half years, including economic stability, welfare and security.

NEC, comprising the 36 state governors, finance ministers, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, and Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd convened to deliberate on pivotal economic matters.

The council’s core mandate revolves around advising the President on the nation’s economic affairs, specifically focusing on coordinating financial planning efforts among the various tiers of government.

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In his opening address at the NEC meeting entitled, ‘Planning for Stability: Our Agenda for Economic Growth in 2024’, VP Shetimma reminded the governors and other members of NEC that the weight of the tough decisions to rescue Nigeria’s economy depends on their cooperation and goodwill.

Present at this month’s sitting, which is likely to be the last for 2023, were all governors except those of Akwa Ibom, Kano, Lagos, Enugu, Osun, Borno, Nasarawa and Adamawa States who were represented by their deputies.

However, it was observed that neither Governor Godwin Obaseki nor his deputy, Philip Shaibu, was present as the seat designated for the state remained vacant after the meeting commenced. A member who happens to be a governor of a PDP controlled State condemned Governor Obaseki for acting like a demi-god, particularly because the meeting was a very crucial one wherein 8 other deputy governors were present.

Reports said another member that the governor was seen on social media attending another event in faraway China.